What is the Greatest Handgun Ever?

Colt

Ruger

Smith and Wesson

Other

I am limited in the Poll to just 4 choices so I am putting manufacturers as there may be more than once choice per manufacturer. For example I can think of three for Colt: SAA, 1911 or Python. Ruger Flattop Blackhawk, Single Six, etc. S&W: Models 10, 19, 25 or 29. Other: Kimber, Glock, Beretta you name it. Choose a manufacturer and then post a thread with your choice.

I am a lover of the revolver and all things Ruger but I would have to say the Colt Python is my choice.

Way too limited. I would propose Heckler and Koch. That is why I bought my USP, lord knows I shot the XD better, it was the quality, options, and other circumstances that literally forced me to purchase an H&K. I shopped meticulously, I shot probably half of the range's rental inventory, and I loved the XD, I rented that baby as the standard every time, I'd rent that and an M&P, switch back and forth 10 through each- the XD was my standard.

One day I got curious, wanted lots of range time so knew I didn't want a .45, but figured I ought to shoot one... so I rented the USP and instantly fell in love. A USP compact .40 quickly became my choice gun- after 50 rounds through a different caliber and size. I shot the .45 USP one more time before buying, and at the last minute switched to 9mm for many reasons but sure enough I ended up with the USP compact 9mm and love it more with every magazine I put through it.

My accuracy is improving too, shouldn't be long until I'm shooting it just as good as I did the XD. Many people say they need a month or 1,000 rounds or so before they are comfortable carrying their gun. I can tell you I felt comfortable after putting 40 rounds through it (my first range visit) and after putting another 100 I am confident enough in the weapon for carry, and I even have (tsk tsk I'll have my permit soon enough, just trying to get used to the feeling of a gun on my belt, carried without one chambered, sleep that way too).

It's somewhat misleading though to try and pick a "best" handgun, mostly because handguns are like any other tool . . . one needs the right one for the specific job at hand. For example, I would agree with Berto on the 1911 design if the job at hand is military application, certain kinds of competition shooting, or just shooting on the range for the hell of it. Personally, I don't care for the 1911 as a concealed carry weapon simply because of its weight and size, the new "ultra compact" models as a possible exception (I'm looking seriously at a Kimber Ultra Compact ). I know, some others disagree with me on that issue, and I respect that view. For me though, it is nonetheless true. I am kind of "old school" like Berto though in that I still believe the revolver is a viable weapon for self-defense use and I often carry one. In the realm of revolvers, Smith and Wesson says it all!

Thats why I said choose a manufacturer and then in subsequent post put the model of your choice. For example I choose Colt and then wrote Python. It's all subjective and something to BS about.

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H&K MK23, never shot one but if I am going to stick H&K as my "greatest manufacturer" I guess I will take their greatest pistol, the only modern pistol designed as a purely offensive handgun, and stick that in the "greatest handgun" category. I couldn't really argue the in and outs of it, I'm personally in love with my USP and want to get my hands on a P7 and maybe even an HK45 sometime in the near future.